Method and apparatus for conditioning coins prior to discrimination

ABSTRACT

A coin conditioner is provided for cleaning or otherwise conditioning coins in a coin discriminator apparatus prior to transfer to a coin sensor. Coins enter through a feed tray and move down the length of a perforated tumbler, preferably without the use of gravity, such as under screw force, mechanical or centrifugal force. The spinning tumbler is preferably rotated about its longitudinal axis by a motor. In one embodiment, a blower or vacuum draws or moves air from one area to another, with the air preferably being filtered. As coins move through and down a tumbler, projections such as vanes, fins, ridges, dimples, spines or other raised features cause mechanical agitation and/or abrasion as coins are lifted and dropped while passing longitudinally through the tumbler. The coins are conditioned and non-coin matter is collected as it is separated and/or abraded from the coin surfaces. Tumbler perforations permit non-coin matter to pass through the perforations into a collection tray or other apparatus and/or are collected into filter media as a result of the air flow. In one embodiment, the air pressure system eliminates or reduces the occurrence of low density or light non-coin matter, such as hair or dust, and prevents these materials from settling or being carried through downstream portions of the coin processing system.

The present application claims priority in U.S. provisional applicationSer. No. 60/012,964, filed Mar. 7, 1996 for METHOD AND APPARATUS FORCONDITIONING COINS PRIOR TO TRANSPORT, SORTING AND COUNTING, commonlyassigned herewith and incorporated herein by reference.

This invention relates to a device and method for conditioning coins andin particular for removing debris, contamination, corrosion and unwantedmaterials from coins prior to transport to devices for automaticallycounting and/or sorting the coins.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Coin counting and sorting equipment is often adversely affected by thepresence of foreign matter. Mechanical and electronic sorting systemsand methods can fail, be damaged, caused to misread and/or becomejammed. Mechanical devices such as coin transport mechanisms, coinhoppers and the like may be caused to jam or otherwise malfunction byforeign matter. Sensors may be prevented from accurately identifying acoin because of non-coin matter accompanying the coins. Sensors maybecome blocked or rendered ineffective because of non-coin mattercollecting and or being deposited onto sensor parts. When the sensorsfail the coin counting process has failed and coins are oftenundesirably rejected or are accepted as the incorrect denomination. Theamount of non-coin matter varies and is unpredictable. In manysituations, the reliability and accuracy of coin sorting, identificationand/or counting processes is very important and thus the process ofremoving non-coin matter before the coins are transported to sorting,identification and/or counting sensors is important. The presence ofnon-coin matter is believed to be especially troublesome in the contextof self-service, stand-alone, unmonitored and/or unattended devices,e.g. devices for counting/sorting coins by the general public or othernon-trained persons. Accordingly, it would be useful to provideself-service coin processing machinery which can process coins which areaccompanied by non-coin matter.

The removal of one type of undesirable non-coin matter does not ofteneliminate other kinds because the material is so varied. Metal objectsmay be identified by properties such as density, shape, magneticcharacteristics, etc. Typically, removing dense matter such as rocks isentirely different than removing metal or paper objects. Coins may havebeen stored with materials that have caused corrosion or have becomecoated with oils, glue and other liquids that collect dirt and otherdebris. These coins contaminate others as they come into physicalcontact and may cause adhesion, clumping or grouping of coins. Amagnetic separator would not eliminate all this various non-coin matter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for separating non-coin objects fromcoins in a coin-sorting, discriminating or counting device, preferablyprior to coins reaching certain coin transport devices, such astransport devices for transporting coins toward a hopper or sensor,preferably prior to coins reaching a coin hopper which provides coins tosensors and preferably prior to the coins reaching the counter/sortingsensors. In one embodiment the separation device is a generally tubularor concave surface, having one or more openings through which non-coinobjects travel, and which cause coins introduced thereto to undergorelative movement to assist in separation of non-coin objects. In oneembodiment, the relative movement preferably involves lifting some coinswith respect to others and may be achieved by pivoting or rotating thetubular or concave surface, e.g., about an axis. Agitation may befurther enhanced by projections formed in or attached to the surface,such as vanes, fins, blades, spines, dimples, ridges, and the like.Movement of coins through or across the tubular or concave surface maybe effected or enhanced by various mechanisms. Although gravity feed maybe used, in one embodiment blades such as angled, spiral or helicalblades assist in moving the coins e.g. in a screw conveyor fashion.

Except for coin entrance and exit ports, diameters, sizes or shapes ofthe openings are configured to prevent passage therethrough of thesmallest coin intended to be counted by the counting device. In oneembodiment, a drive mechanism rotates the cylinder about itslongitudinal axis to agitate the coins therein by lifting coins and,preferably, moving the coins through the cylinder by a screw mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a coin-counting device of a type whichmay be configured to incorporate features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a receiving tray and rib slide of atype which may be provided in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a feed tray and tumbler deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic depiction of the position of a helical blade in anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a partial side view of a tumbler device according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view of a tumbler device according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 7A is a partial perspective view, partially exploded, of a tumblerdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view, partially exploded, of a tumblerdevice according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of a modular feed tray/tumbler deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention, which may beincorporated into the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an end perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an end view of a tumbler cylinder, according to an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view, with exploded cover plate, of anapparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view, partially exploded, of theapparatus of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view, partially exploded, of the apparatusof FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view, partially exploded, of a trommelassembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a first end cap which may be used inconnection with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a trommel body, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 19A-D are right side elevational, top plan, left side elevationaland end views of a trommel body in open configuration, according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19E is a side view of a vane which may be used in connection withan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a long object trap of a type which maybe used in connection with an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view taken along line 21--21 of the deviceof FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG.1 depicts a coin-counting device which may incorporate features ofthe present invention. FIG. 1 depicts a device in perspective withvarious doors opened, and a bag trolley 1610a partially withdrawn. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 1 a coin tray 1402 is mounted pivotally aboutaxis 1414 (FIG. 2), so that a user, after inserting coins in the tray1402 may lift the tray, using handle 1404, to move coins out of the trayarea 1424, over the ridge or peak 1414, and onto a slope 1428, formovement past a gate 1432, and onto a ribbed chute 1406. Coins are movedinto a hopper 1604 for transfer to a counter or sorter 1212, wheresorted or counted coins are diverted to bins or, in the embodiment ofFIG. 1, bags 1608 held in the trolley 1610a, 1610b. Informationprocessing and/or communication devices and/or printers or dispensers1628, 1874, which may include, e.g., a computer and/or printer may beprovided for outputting information about the sorted coins or countedcoins, as described, for example, in PCT application PCT/US95/05356filed May 1, 1995, and/or U.S. application Ser. No. 08/255,539 filedJun. 6, 1994, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Although the invention is described herein in the context of a devicefor discriminating or handling coins, the device can generally beapplied to separating small, typically unwanted matter or material fromlarger items. For purposes of the following discussion, the smallerseparated items or material (which can include e.g., without limitation,dust, sand, lint, paper, hair, liquids, and myriad other items) will bereferred to from time to time herein generically as "dirt" with theunderstanding that many types of small items or materials, some of themvaluable items or materials, can be separated using the presentinvention.

While the device of FIG. 2 has proved to be useful and can assist, to atleast some degree, in removing non-coin matter from a batch or pluralityof coins deposited in the tray 1402, e.g., through perforations thereinand/or traveling over the chute 1406 (e.g., by perforations therein). Itis believed additional improvements in preparing coins forcounting/sorting can be achieved by incorporating a device which liftsor otherwise moves coins, relative to one another, to assist inseparating non-coin matter.

In general, FIGS. 3 through 12 and FIGS. 13 through 21 illustratedifferent embodiments of the present invention, with the understandingthat the illustrated embodiments are not necessarily either mutuallyexclusive (since features or aspects of one embodiment might beincorporated or substituted into another embodiment), nor incompatible(in the sense that some features or aspects of the invention may becommon to more than one embodiment).

In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 13, a device is illustrated which maybe generally considered in four sections: an input tray section 1302, atrommel feed section 1304, a trommel section 1306, and trommel outputsection 1308. The illustrated input tray section 1302 is substantiallysimilar to that described in U.S. Pat. Ser. No. 08/255,539 (now U.S.Pat. No. 5,564,546) and/or PCT/US95/05356, and as described brieflyabove. The trommel feed region 1304 contains, in the illustratedembodiment, a first chute 1310, and a second chute 1312 for conveyingcoins and other materials to an input opening of the trommel (describedbelow). The trommel feed region 1304 may contain devices for performingadditional functions such as stops or traps, e.g., for dealing withvarious types of elongate objects, a gate for controlling flow of coinsand other objects, lights or other signaling devices, e.g., forprompting input of coins or cessation thereof, and/or drive devices ortransmissions for rotating or otherwise moving the trommel as describedbelow. The trommel region 1306 contains a perforated-wall trommel 1314rotatably mounted via end caps 1316, 1318, which preferably containbearing surfaces. The trommel output region 1308 provides an outputchute for directing the (at least partially) cleaned coins exiting thetrommel in a desired direction 1320, e.g., towards a hopper 1604 orsimilar device.

As best seen in FIG. 15, the first chute 1310 may be provided with firstand second pins 1322a, 1322b. The pins 1322a, 1322b are provided toblock passage of elongate flexible items such as lottery tickets,cardboard, paper and the like. The spacing between the pins 1322a, 1322bor between the pins and the sides of the chute 1310, determines the sizeof the largest item which may be allowed to pass. In one embodiment, thepins are positioned to allow a coin with a diameter of about 34 mm topass, but to block items larger than about 34 mm. In one embodiment, thetray 1310 is stainless steel and the pins 1322a, 1322b are steel pinswelded to the chute 1310. Although two pins are depicted, more or fewerpins could be provided, it being understood, however, that pins tend toslow down coin feed rates somewhat. In the depicted embodiment, the pins1322a, 1322b are about two inches (about 5 cm) apart, disposedsymmetrically of the center line of the first chute 1310. In thedepicted embodiment, the pins are about 0.5 inch (about 12 mm) high.

A controllable gate 1324 is mounted transverse to the first chute 1310to permit rotation from the closed configuration depicted in FIG. 15,blocking passage of coins, to an open configuration permitting passageof coins or other objects past the gate. Preferably the gate 1324 isformed of rubber, e.g. to avoid pinching of fingers. Rotation of thegate 1324 is controlled by a solenoid 1326. The solenoid 1325 isactivated in response to a signal from a control device such as acomputer or other information processing device 1628, 1874 (FIG. 1). Thegate may be controlled to open or close for a number of purposes, suchas in response to sensing of a jam, sensing of load in the trommel orhopper, and the like. In the depicted embodiment, signal devices such asLED or other lights 1328a, 1328b, can provide a user with an indicationof whether the gate 1324 is open or closed (or otherwise to prompt theuser to feed or discontinue feeding coins or other objects). Althoughinstructions to feed or discontinue may be provided on the computerscreen (FIG. 1), indicator lights 1328 are believed useful since usersoften are watching the throat of the chute 1310, rather than thecomputer screen, during the feeding of coins or other objects.

Downstream of the first chute 1310 and gate 1324 is a second chuteassembly 1312. Preferably, the second chute 1312 provides a funnelingeffect by having a greater width 1330 at its upstream edge than itsdownstream edge. Preferably, the coins cascade or "waterfall" whenpassing from the first chute 1310 to the second chute 1312, e.g. toincrease momentum and tumbling of the coins. In one embodiment the widthat the upstream edge is about 5.2 inches (about 13 cm), and the width atthe downstream edge is about 2.5 inches (about 6 cm). Preferably, thedepth of the chute increases in the directional flow, such as providinga depth of about one inch (about 2.5 cm) at the upstream edge, and adepth of about 1.5 inches (about 3.8 cm) at the downstream edge.

Preferably, the chute 1312 is configured to facilitate coin travel,e.g., by reducing or eliminating the effects of friction, surfacetension, and the like. Preferably, the chute 1312 upper surface has noflat region large enough for a coin to contact the surface over one ofthe faces of the coin, i.e., preferably the coin which touches the chute1312 preferably makes contact on, at most, two points. Preferably, thesurface of the chute 1312 is constructed such that it has a finiteradius of curvature along any plane normal to its longitudinal axis1332, and preferably with such radii of curvature increasing in thedirection of coin flow.

Preferably the chute 1312 has an upper surface which is substantiallysmooth and free from protrusions, ridges, throughholes or other holes,and the like. In one embodiment the chute 1312 is formed from injectedmolded plastic such as an acetal resin or plastic, a polyamide polymer,such as a nylon, Delrin®, available from E. I. DuPont de Nemours & Co.,and the like. Other materials that can be used for the chute includemetals, ceramics, fiberglass, reinforced materials, epoxies,ceramic-coated or -reinforced materials and the like.

As best seen in FIG. 14, the trough assembly 1312 terminates in a collar1333 defining a mouth 1334, which is configured to feed coins from thechute 1312 into a first opening 1336 of the trommel assembly 1338. Themouth 1334 is formed with an upper lip 1340. In the depicted embodimentthe first opening 1336 of the trommel assembly 1338 is defined by afirst end cap 1316 which is coupled to a trommel body 1314. The firstend cap 1316 has a smooth cylindrical bearing surface 1342 configured tomate with a bearing surface 1344 of the chute collar, supporting therotation of the trommel assembly 1338 about a rotation axis 1346 in amanner described more fully below. An exterior surface of the first endcap 1316 is geared 1348 to mesh with a drive gear 1350 powered by adrive motor 1352. The drive gear 1350 is preferably spaced from thestationary bearing 1344 sufficiently to permit manual engagement of theend cap gear 1348 with the drive gear 1350 and simultaneous mating ofthe first end cap bearing 1342 with the stationary bearing 1340 bymerely grasping the trommel assembly 1338, aligning it with the collar1333 (preferably facilitated by a bevel), rotating the trommel assembly1338 about its longitudinal axis as needed to mesh the gears 1348, 1350,and pushing towards the chute collar 1333. Similarly, the trommelassembly 1338 may be manually disengaged from the drive gear 1350 andbearing 1344 by pulling in a direction away from the chute collar 1333.Preferably, as best seen in FIGS. 16 and 17, the end cap 1316 includesresilient tabs 1712a, 1712b, 1712c, 1712d for engaging slots 1812a,1812b, 1812c, 1812d, respectively, and tabs 1714a, 1714b, 1714c, 1714dfor capturing corners of the trommel 1314.

A similar system of tabs 1612a, 1612b, 1612c, 1612d, 1614a, 1614b,1614c, 1614d engage and capture slots 1814a, 1814b, 1814c, 1814d, andcorners of the downstream end of the trommel 1314. Preferably, the taband slot system 1712a, 1712b, 1712c, 1712d, 1812a, 1812b, 1812c, 1812d,or the trommel 1314 and first end cap 1316 are different from the tabs1612a, 1612b, 1612c, 1612d, 1814a, 1814b, 1814c, 1814d of the second endcap 1318 in such a manner that the end caps 1316, 1318 are coupled tothe first and second ends 1616a, 1616b of the trommel 1314,respectively, and not the other way around. In the depicted embodiment,the downstream tabs and slots have dual protrusions and openingscorresponding to the single protrusions and openings of the upstreamtabs and slots. Preferably, the resiliency of the tabs 1712A, -B, -C,-D, 1612A, -B, -C, -D is such that the end caps 1316, 1318 remainsecurely coupled to the trommel 1314 during normal use, but may bemanually removed without the use of special tools, preferably withoutthe use of any tools, e.g., for cleaning, as described below.Preferably, the end caps 1316, 1318 are formed of a plastic materialsuch as an acetal plastic, nylon, Delrin® and the like. Preferably, whenboth the end caps 1316, 1318 and the bearing surfaces 1344, 1360 areformed of plastic, different plastics are used for mating bearingsurfaces, such as by forming the end caps 1316, 1318 of Delrin® and thebearing surfaces 1344, 1360 of a nylon. This is believed to reducefriction and facilitate rotation of the trommel.

As best seen in FIG. 18, the trommel 1314 is shaped to define fourrectangular walls 1816a, 1816b, 1816c, 1816d to define a substantiallysquare cross section. In the view of FIG. 18, interior vanes have beenremoved, for clarity. The trommel 1314 provides at least one hole forpermitting passage or exit of dirt from the trommel and, preferably, asdepicted, includes a plurality of such holes 1818. The holes 1818 aresufficiently small to prevent passage of the smallest coins (or otherobject to be discriminated). In one embodiment, when the device is usedin connection with U.S. coins, the holes 1818 have a diameter of about0.61 inches (about 1.5 mm) to prevent passage of U.S. dimes. In thedepicted embodiment, the holes have an inter-row and inter-columnspacing 1916a, 1916b of about 0.7 inches (about 18 mm). The number,density and distribution of holes 1818 can be configured in a number ofways, other than that depicted. Many factors affect the choice of thenumber, size, density and distribution of holes. For example, theconfiguration of the holes affects the overall strength and stability ofthe trommel 1314 and thus the configuration of the holes may be modifiedto accommodate the characteristics of different materials used forforming the trommel 1314. The configuration depicted in FIG. 18 isgenerally believed to provide a relatively large, total hole area (tofacilitate removal of dirt) while maintaining the desired structuralintegrity and sturdiness of the trommel 1314. The depicted distributionof holes in rows and columns is believed to contribute to stability,although other configurations are also possible, such ashexagonally-centered holes, randomly positioned holes, and the like.Although in the configuration of FIG. 18 all the holes are of the samesize, it is possible to provide holes in various sizes (smaller than thelargest hole which prevents passage of the smallest coin to be treated).Although it is preferred to distribute holes 1818 over substantially theentire inner surface of the trommel 1314, it would be possible, ifdesired, to position holes such that some areas of the trommel aresubstantially free from holes.

In the depicted embodiment dimples 18 are formed protruding slightlyinto the interior region of the trommel 1313. The dimples 1820 arebelieved to facilitate throughput by avoiding adhesion (such as surfacetension-induced adhesion) and/or friction between coins and the interiorsurface of the trommel. The dimples are believed to reduce thelikelihood of adhering a customer's coins to the trommel wall, resultingin loss of credit to the customer. It is believed the dimples prevent orreduce surface-to-surface contact of coins with an interior surface ofthe trommel over a substantial region of the coin face surface and,accordingly, in the depicted embodiment, dimples 1820 are positioned inany location of the interior surface where a flat region of substantialarea would otherwise occur (such as regions between holes). Othershapes, sizes, locations and distributions of protrusions, ridges,fingers, and the like may also be useful to facilitate throughput.

A configuration of a trommel according to one embodiment of theinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 19A through 19D. In the depictedembodiment, the trommel is formed from two halves 1902a, 1902b,rotationally coupled, e.g. by a hinge, such as a piano hinge 1904 orother rotational device such as clips, screws, interconnecting tabs andslots, and the like. The hinge 1904 permits the two halves 1902a, 1902bto be reconfigured in a "clam shell" fashion between the closedoperating configuration depicted in FIG. 18, and an open configuration(e.g., for maintenance) depicted in FIGS 19A through 19D. The edges1906a, 1906b diagonally opposed to the hinge 1904 are fitted withlatching devices such as tabs 1908a, 1908b, 1908c, 1908d, whichresiliently latch, in an interference fashion, with correspondingregions 1910a, 1910b, 1910c, 1910d of opposing edges. The end caps 1316,1318 further assist in maintaining the trommel in the closedconfiguration during operation.

The dimensions of the trommel may be selected depending upon the desiredcapacity and throughput, as well as the structural requirements for thetrommel. In the depicted embodiment, the trommel has a length 1912 ofabout 10.6 inches (about 27 cm), with each wall having an effectivewidth 1914 of about 2.9 inches (about 7.5 cm).

In general, it is preferred to provide a trommel which causes or atleast urges coins, during rotation of the trommel, to freely fallthrough at least a portion of the interior of the trommel (as opposedto, for example, merely rolling or tumbling in a mass adjacent thelowest surface of the trommel. Thus, preferably the trommel assists inlifting coins, as it rotates, and dropping the coins from an elevatedheight through at least a portion of the interior of the trommel.Without wishing to be bound by any theory, a number of features of thetrommel are believed to contribute to the desired coinlifting/free-fall. It has been found, for example, that a trommel with acircular cross-section tends to result in coins remaining adjacent thelower surface (albeit while tumbling), without substantial lifting orfree-fall. It is believed that providing a trommel cross-section whichdefines flat surfaces and/or corners (i.e., surfaces meeting at anangle) assists in coin lifting/free-fall. In the depicted embodiment,the trommel has a substantially square cross-section, thus defining foursubstantially flat surfaces, and four corners. It is believed that othercross-sections may provide at least some desirable lifting/free-fall,including cross-section which have corners but no flat surfaces, and/orcross-section with more or fewer than four flat surfaces. Cross-sectionswhich are non-regular (such as isosceles triangular cross-sections) orwhich have local concavities, such as star-shaped cross-sections, may beuseful in some contexts. Other potential cross-sections includetriangles, pentagons, hexagons, octagons, semi-circles, rectangles,inflated or pillowed cross-sectional shapes (such as defined by three ormore intersecting circular or elliptical arcs), cross-sections withsurfaces defined by various non-linear shapes such as ellipses,parabolas, hyperbolas, and the like. Although the depicted embodimentprovides a trommel which has a cross-section that is substantiallyconstant along its longitudinal axis, it is also possible to providetrommels with cross-sections that vary along the longitudinal axis suchas tapering or flaring cross-sections. Although a number of trommelconfigurations are operable and each may provide certain advantages insome circumstances, the depicted configuration is believed to provide atleast the advantages of relatively low manufactured cost, easy access,low parts count, wider material choice and ease of design, construction,and maintenance.

Another feature which is believed to contribute to the desiredlifting/free-fall behavior of the coins or other objects is a provisionof one or more vanes protruding into the interior of the trommel 1922a,1922b, 1922c, 1922d, 1924a, 1924b, 1924c, 1926a, 1926b, 1926c, 1926d,1928a, 1928b, 1928c, 1928d. It is believed that by positioning vanes atan angle such as about 15° 1930 to a plane passing through thelongitudinal axis 1932, the vanes assist not only in providingcoin-lifting/free-fall, but also assist in moving the coins in adirection towards the output region 1308. Although it would be possibleto provide one or more vanes whose lateral position (with respect aninterior surface of the trommel) changed monotonically, it is believedsuch configuration is not as effective in assisting with movement ofcoins towards the output portion 1308, as a configuration in which thelateral position of the vane changes non-monotonically. In the depictedembodiment this is accomplished by providing the vanes in severalsubparts or segments, defining discontinuities or nodes at longitudinalpositions 1936a, 1936b, 1936c, 1938a, 1938b, 1940a, 1940b, 1940c, 1940d,1942a, 1942b, 1942c therebetween. Without wishing to be bound by anytheory, it is believed that a configuration in which the nodes foradjacent sides of the trommel are at similar longitudinal positions doesnot promote the desired transport of coins towards the output end 1308.Accordingly, the nodes 1936a, 1935b, 1936c, 1938a, 1938b, 1940a, 1940b,1940c, 1942a, 1942b, 1942c, are preferably configured such that nodesdefined on one surface are at longitudinal positions different from thenode positions for an adjacent surface and, preferably, different fromnode positions for all other surfaces, as depicted. In the depictedembodiment, eleven of the fifteen vane segments are the same length(about 2.7 inches or about 6.8 cm in the depicted embodiment), with thedesired node offset resulting in the remaining segments 1922a, 1922d,1926a, 1928d being shorter.

In the depicted embodiment, vanes are separately formed and attached tothe interior surfaces of the trommel. Preferably, attachment is via tabs(not shown) protruding from the undersurface of the vanes and engagingwith slots (not shown) formed in the trommel surfaces. In the depictedembodiment, rivets 1948 are used for attachment. Attachment could alsobe by interference fit, bolts and nuts, welding, brazing, soldering,adhesives, or vanes may be integrally formed with the trommel. In oneembodiment the vanes are formed of a material similar to the materialused to form the trommel surfaces, preferably stainless steel, althoughplastics, fiberglass, ceramics, and the like can also be used.

In one embodiment, as depicted in FIG. 19E, the vanes protrude adistance 1952 into the interior of the trommel of about 0.45 inches(about 1.2 cm). In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion (such asthe upper 0.2 inches (about 5 mm) 1954 is angled (e.g., at about 45°)1956 to a normal 1958 to the adjacent trommel surface. The angledportion 1954 is believed to assist in lifting the coins higher (comparedto non-angled vanes) during trommel rotation.

In the depicted embodiment use of vanes for assistance in moving thecoins towards the output in 1308 is particularly useful since thedepicted configuration shows a substantially horizontal longitudinalaxis 1346. If desired, a device can be constructed such that therotation axis 1346 departs from the horizontal, such as being inclinedtowards the output end 1308, e.g., to assist in movement of coinstowards the output portion 1308. The inclination, or lack thereof, ofthe rotation axis 1346 is determined by the location of the downstreambearing 1360 which engages the cylindrical bearing surface 1362 of thesecond end cap 1318. Preferably, the bearing ring 1360 is formed of aplastic material such as a nylon or Delrin®, and is preferably formed ofa material different from the material of the bearing surface 1362 ofthe second end cap 1318. The second end cap 1318 defines an opening 1364through which coins or other objects exit from the trommel assembly1338.

The output bearing 1360 is held in position by an end wall 1366. In thedepicted embodiment, the end wall 1366 is mounted to the frame 1368 soas to permit the end wall 1366 to be moved so as to allow the trommelassembly 1338 to be withdrawn 1368, e.g., for cleaning or maintenance.In the depicted embodiment, the end wall 1366 is coupled to legs 1372a,1372b which fit into rails 1374a, 1374b, 1374c, 1374d, to permit slidingmovement in an engagement direction 1376a or disengagement 1376bdirection. Springs 1374a, 1374b, normally urges the legs 1372a, 1372b,and thus the wall 1366 in the engagement direction 1376a. The springs1378a, 1378b are sufficiently strong to securely maintain the trommelassembly 1338 in the engaged position (i.e., the position shown in FIG.13) during normal operation, but permit the output portion 1309 to bemoved in the disengagement direction 1376b manually (i.e., without theuse of special tools, preferably without the use of any tools) in anamount sufficient to prevent disengagement and withdrawal of the trommelassembly 1338, e.g., for maintenance, cleaning, replacement, inspection,and the like. Preferably, a limit screw 1377a, 1377b provides a stop toprevent the force of the springs 1378a, 1378b from causing the bearing1360 to thrust against the end cap 1318, undesirably increasingfriction. In the depicted embodiment, the tray 1382 is formed in twoportions 1383a, 1383b, coupled in a sliding fashion to permit the trayto be collapsed 1385. Collapsing the tray is believed useful inassisting in tray removal, for certain configurations, e.g., where spaceis restricted. Preferably the tray 1382 has sufficient capacity thattray emptying is required no more often than about once every two weeks,during normal anticipated use. Other fashions of permittingdisengagement or movement of the bearing ring 1360 can be used, such asproviding for hinged or pivoting movement. The depicted sliding movementis believed to permit removal of the trommel 1338, e.g., through theopen bottom 1382 of the frame, while reducing or minimizing longitudinalspace requirements. In the depicted embodiment, and output chute 1374 isprovided adjacent the output opening of the trommel. In the depictedconfiguration the output chute 1374 is configured to direct coins,output from the trommel, in a substantially downward direction 1320. Atapered region 1378 assists in directing the coins.

Preferably, a tray or other container 1382 is located beneath thetrommel assembly 1338 to catch dirt which passes through the trommeldirt openings. Preferably, the tray 1382 is configured to be easilyremoved (e.g., for emptying, cleaning, and/or permitting access to theunderportion of the device). In the depicted embodiment, the first edge1384 of the tray 1382 engages a rail or lip 1382 formed on the frame1368, and the opposite edge 1386 may be rotated upward to engage withspring clips 1390a, 1390b on the opposite side of the frame.

In one embodiment, a long object trap 2000 (FIG. 20) may be positionedbetween the input tray 1402 and the trommel 1306 to assist in preventinginsertion of long, relatively rigid objects such as a popsicle stick,into the trommel. In the depicted embodiment, the long object trapincludes a first, upstanding wall 2002 and, somewhat downstream, asecond, descending wall 2004. As depicted in FIG. 21, any attempt toinsert a rigid elongated object 2006 will result in the objectcontacting a floor region 2008, preventing further passage.

In operation, the user of the embodiment of FIGS. 13-21 places a mass ofcoins, preferably all at once (typically accompanied by dirt or othernon-coin objects) in the input tray 1402. The user is prompted to push abutton to inform the machine that the user wishes to have coinsdiscriminated. Thereupon, the computer causes the input gate 1324 toopen (via solenoid 1326) and illuminates a signal to prompt the user tobegin feeding coins. When the gate 1324 is open, the motor 1352 isactivated to begin rotating the trommel assembly 1338. The user movescoins over the peak defined by the hinge 1414, typically by lifting thetray 1402 at least partially, and/or manually feeding coins over thepeak 1414. The coins pass the gate 1396 (typically set to preventpassage of more than a predetermined number of stacked coins, such as bydefining an opening equal to about 3.5 times a typical coin thickness).The coins move down the first trough 1310, where the pins 1322 preventpassage of certain long objects such as lottery tickets and the like. Along object trap (if any) prevents passage of other types of objectssuch as popsicle sticks. Coins continue to flow down the second troughor chute 1312. Coins travel through the chute collar mouth 1334 and intothe interior of the rotating trommel assembly 1338. Within the rotatingassembly 1338 the coins are lifted and free-fall, at least partially,through the interior of the trommel, preferably at least partially inresponse to provision of flat surfaces, corners, and/or vanes within thetrommel. As the coins free-fall or are otherwise agitated by therotating trommel, dirt particles or other non-coin objects pass throughthe holes of the trommel and fall into the tray 1382. Coins travelthrough the trommel, e.g., in response to angled disposition of thevanes and the inclination of the trommel, if any. In general is itbelieved that a larger angle provides for shorter residence time, butless thorough cleaning or lifting of the coins. Thus the angle selectionmay require a compromise between the desire for thorough cleaning andthe desire for short residence time (which contributes to higherthroughput). The depicted configuration, when the trommel rotates atabout 36 RPM, and using a typical mixture of U.S. coins, provides a coinresidence time of approximately 10 seconds. Under these conditions,throughput during normal use is believed to be sustainable at about 600coins per minute or more. Configuration and operating conditions can beadjusted to increase or decrease throughput, e.g., by changing the size,length or capacity of the trommel, increasing rotation rate, changingvane configuration or angles, and the like, within structuralconstraints for desired durability, lifetime and maintenance costs. Thecoins, after being at least partially cleaned, exit the second opening1364 of the trommel, and are directed by the output chute 1374 in anoutput direction 1320 toward downstream components such as the hopper ofa coin transport/discrimination device.

Preferably, operation of the device is monitored, such as by monitoringcurrent draw for the motor 1352. In this configuration, a suddenincrease or spike in current draw may be considered indicative of anundesirable load and/or jam of the trommel assembly 1368. The system maybe configured in various ways to respond to such a sensed jam such as byturning off the motor 1352 to stop attempted trommel rotation and/orreversing the motor, or altering motor direction periodically, toattempt to clear the jam. Jamming or undesirable load can also be sensedby other devices such as magnetic, optical or mechanical sensors. In oneembodiment, when a jam or undesirable load is sensed, coin feed isstopped or discouraged, e.g., by closing gate 1324 and/or illuminating a"stop feed" indicator 1328b.

Turning, now, to the embodiments of FIGS. 3-12, in FIG. 3, theperforated tray 1402 provides a device for moving coins therein (uponlifting the tray 1402 about pivot axis 1414) through a slot 312, past agate 314 which may be, e.g., a controllable gate, and via chute 316 intoa perforated-wall cylinder 318. Preferably, the perforated wall cylinder318 is configured to assist in or cause the relative movement of coinsintroduced thereto, such as by being rotatable in a first direction 322about its longitudinal axis 324. Various rates of rotation can be used.Preferably, a high feed rate through the cylinder is achieved, such as arate of at least 100 coins per minute, referably at least 200 coins aminutes, more preferably at least about 600 coins per minute or more.

Preferably, the perforations or holes 326 formed in the surface or wallof the cylinder 318 are shaped or sized to prevent or avoid passage,through the holes 326, of the smallest coins which are intended to becounted by the counting device. Various hole or opening sizes and shapesare possible, giving due consideration to the size or diameter of thecoins and, in some cases, the tumbling speed or rotational velocity. Inone embodiment, oblong openings are provided and are believed to beuseful, in some embodiments, in further assisting removal of non-coinmatter.

Preferably, openings 318 are as large as possible to accommodate largenon-coin matter without undesirably diverting or hindering the feed rateof smaller diameter coins. A number of factors may affect the choice ofhole sizes. As described below, internal vanes, fins, ridges and otherprojections may be positioned, e.g., on the inside surface of thecylinder, and there must be sufficient remaining surface to allow theseprojections to be attached and/or formed. The size of the holes and/orthe spacing and/or pattern of the holes may affect the strength or loadcapacity of the cylinder 318. Removing non-coin debris is important, andhaving a large amount of open surface area (total surface area of allholes in the cylinder 318) tends to increase the effectiveness ofeliminating large objects, including large, dense and/or odd-shapedobjects. However, the total area occupied by holes in the drum, whilebeing desirably as large as feasible, should not be so large as to causethe cylinder to lose structural integrity, have a smaller than desiredload capacity, and/or be subject to unwanted deflection or failure.

A number of different materials can be used for forming a cylinder 318.In one embodiment, the cylinder may be formed of cast urethane. In oneembodiment, longitudinal steel and/or stainless tubing is used for thetumbler cylinder 318. Preferably, the tube is non-magnetic, such asbeing formed of stainless steel such as T-304, T-316, and/or ELC gradesteel. By providing a non-magnetic tumbler, cylinder 318, avoidsinterfering with devices such as magnets (not shown) that may beprovided for eliminating ferrous coins and/or ferrous non-coin matter.The thickness of the drum 318 can be selected to provide a desired coincapacity or load-bearing ability, a desired usable lifetime and/ordesired wear factor. In one embodiment the cylinder 318 is constructedfrom corrugated spiral lock seam tubing. This embodiment is particularlyuseful in that blades or fins can be configured to be positionedadjacent to the spiral seams, which is believed to offer enhancedstrength and/or higher pressure differentials, and thus allow areduction in wall thickness and overall mass of the cylinder over whatwould otherwise be required. A suitable tubing may be obtained fromPerforated Tubes Incorporated of Ada, Mich.

Preferably, one or more protrusions are provided extending inwardly intothe interior of the cylinder 318. As depicted in FIG. 4, a helical blade402 may be provided. The blade assists in moving the coins such as bylifting coins from a lower position to a higher position, and releasingthe lifted coin on the upper level of the coins in cylinder 318, as thecylinder 318 is rotated 322. Further, in the depicted embodiment, theblade, being helical-shaped 402, acts to convey the coins in a direction332 toward later or downstream apparatus such as a hopper 334. In thisfashion, even though in the embodiment of FIG. 3 the axis 324 of thecylinder 318 is horizontal, coins may be moved in a direction 332,without the need for relying on a gravity feed. Such a configuration isuseful in order to minimize the vertical extent 336 required for thedevice. If desired, however, the tumbler cylinder 318 may be tilted,e.g. as in FIG. 5, and, if desired, a gravity feed may be used to assistin moving coins.

Various materials may be used for forming or coating the interiorsurface and/or projections 402 of cylinder 318. A low friction ornon-stick material such as Teflon may be used to avoid unwanted adhesionof coins or non-coin matter to the tumbler 318. In one embodiment, thesurfaces that will come in contact with the coins and non-coin matterwill be chemically resistant and inert, to avoid corrosion and/orreaction with materials that may be introduced into the tumbler 318. Inone embodiment, the surfaces are durable since they will be constantlyimpacted by the coins and other materials. Wear-resistant materials thatmay be used include silicon carbide, or other ceramic material, steel,carbon-impregnated or carbon fiber or fiber-impregnated metals orceramics or carbon impregnated foam, titanium, aluminum or other metals,nylon, polyvinyl chloride or other plastics or resins, and the like. Inone embodiment the tumbler 318 is provided with materials for adsorbing,absorbing trapping or dissipating moisture, oils, finely dividedparticles, and the like. In one embodiment fins, blades or surfaces ofthe tumbler 318 are designed to abrade away over time, and areformulated to include materials which may assist in conditioning,cleaning, polishing, or otherwise conditioning the coins. For example,dry silicon lubricants may be included in the formulation, or abrasivesfor assisting or polishing coins. In one embodiment the fins, blades orother projections are removable so that they can be replaced or changedin shape or materials, as desired, to improve mechanical action,abrasion, polishing or other characteristics, or if replacement isrequired because of wear. Even if the projections or surfaces of thetumbler do not impart an abrasive material, it is believed that someabrasive or polishing action of the coins against each other will beachieved. It is believed that a material that self-destructs ordisintegrates over time not only indicates wear, but also can be usedfor imparting cleaning abrader to not only help clean the coins, buteventually clean transport mechanisms, hoppers, sensors, sorting andcounting mechanisms and other mechanisms throughout the machinery.

A number of devices for accommodating rotation of the tumbler 318 can beused. The tumbler assembly may be supported by a pillow block 702 (FIG.9), a roller-supported 704a, 704b, 704c end cap 706, or may be providedwith rollers or roller bearings 502a, 502b, 502c, or a bracket engaginga race or annular recess 504, or other bearing surface 708. If desired,one or more rollers 502a may be pivotable or spring loaded 524, e.g., toaccommodate installation or removal of the cylinder 318, e.g., formaintenance, repair, inspection, and the like. It is particularlydesirable that the tumbler be configured for ease of removal so that itcan be easily cleaned or replaced or jams may be cleared.

A number of devices may be provided for driving the rotationally-mountedcylinder. The cylinder may be coupled to a toothed pulley or gear 710.The toothed pulley or gear 710 may be driven via a gear train or atoothed belt, such as a timing belt, coupled to a motor, such as analternating current or DC gear motor. In the embodiment of FIG. 9, analternating current gear motor 802 has a shaft that connects to a pulley804 for driving a toothed belt 806, which engages a pulley such as atoothed pulley 808, coaxial with the perforated cylinder 810. Suitablebelts, motors or pulleys can be obtained, e.g. from SDT componentscompany.

In one embodiment, materials which move through the perforations 326,are received in a tray or other receiving area, preferably one which maybe easily removed for emptying and/or cleaning 338. Although in theembodiment depicted in FIG. 3 the tray 338 receives materials expelledfrom only the tumbler 318, and a separate tray 343 receives materialswhich moves through the perforations of the tilting tray 1402, ifdesired, a single tray or other receptacle can be provided for bothpurposes.

Preferably, the tumbler 318 or tumbler assembly is groundedappropriately to avoid static electric charge buildup, which could havethe adverse effect of attracting certain non-coin materials to the drum.Conductive or non-static coatings or components may be used inconstructing the drum 318. Preferably all materials along the coin pathand tumbler are conductive and grounded. In one embodiment, amulti-fingered conductive charge gatherer, similar to a Christmasgarland, may be used to collect and/or dissipate static.

In one embodiment, the apparatus is configured to provide a flow of airor other fluid past the contents of the tumbler to assist in removinglighter and low-density non-coin material. Air flow devices may includea positive pressure device, a negative pressure or vacuum device, orboth, although it is believed that a vacuum system may, in someenvironments, create an undesirable amount of noise. Preferably, in thecase of a vacuum, a filter or filter bag is provided for capturingmaterials. Positive pressure air may be configured to pass through afilter on the feed end 342 of the tumbler chamber. In one embodiment,cleansed air is flushed through the system and additional air flow isused to dissipate moisture and heat. A suitable filtering system may beobtained from Nikro Industries, Villa Park, Ill. 60181. In oneembodiment, a filter is used conforming to specifications: 88 inches ofwater lift, 95 cubic feet per minute, 1.25 horsepower, meetingMIL-F-51079 and MIL-F-51068B . An example is model number DC00288.

In one embodiment a low back-pressure air transfer system may be used.In this system, a fan is mounted adjacent the coin-exit end of thetumbler 344, and a suction hose is positioned adjacent the coin-inputend 342. The intake end of the suction hose may be screened or filteredto avoid damage to fans or other devices that power of the suction.Preferably there is little back pressure in the system and a relativelylarge amount of air is moved through as the coins are tumbled. In oneembodiment the perforated cylinder 326 is enveloped and sealed with ahousing to assist in directing air flow in the desired counter-currentdirection 334. The housing may be in the form of a semi-cylindercovering which seals with a waste removal tray 338. Such a housingpreferably also is useful in diminishing or deadening the noise of thetumbler device.

In one embodiment the system is substantially modular such as beingcontained, along with a feed tray 1402, in a rectangular or othermodular housing 312. Preferably the modular design is configured toaccommodate retrofitting in devices which do not currently have atumbler. For example, a device such as that depicted in FIG. 1 may beretrofitted by removing the rectangular housing depicted in FIG. 2 andreplacing with the rectangular modular unit of FIGS. 8 through 11. Inone embodiment the tubular tumbler is formed from two semi-cylindricalmating polyurethane components.

The present invention includes a number of features and embodiments.According to one embodiment, the invention includes a coin agitator foruse in separating non-coin matter from coins for use in a coin countingdevice prior to transfer of said coins to a sensor mechanism of saidcoin counting device including a container with at least a firstopening. In this embodiment, the coin agitator may include a tube. Thetube may be movable by being rotatable substantially about itslongitudinal axis. The tube may be perforated. A perforated tube mayhave a largest perforation size configured to prevent passage of asmallest desired coin. A plurality of projections may extend inwardlyfrom a surface of said coin agitator. The agitator may include at leasta first helical vane. The agitator may include at least a first fanconfigured for producing air flow through said coin agitator.

According to one embodiment, a coin conditioning apparatus for use in acoin discriminating may include a device for receiving a plurality ofcoins in a first region and for tumbling said received coins to assistin separating non-coin material; and a device for moving said coinsthrough said receiving device. The apparatus may include a device forcausing a fluid to flow through said receiving means during saidtumbling. The apparatus may include a device for imparting a coinconditioning material into said plurality of coins. In one embodiment,said coin conditioning material is selected from the group consisting ofa lubricant and an abrasive. In one embodiment, said coin conditioner issubstantially modular to accommodate retrofitting. The apparatus mayinclude a device configured to direct air flow in a directioncounter-current to at least a first direction of coin movement. Theapparatus may include a housing encompassing said coin conditioningdevice for reducing perceivable noise. The apparatus may include apositive pressure device for causing air flow through said coinconditioner. The apparatus may include a vacuum device for providing airflow through said coin conditioning.

In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for cleaning coinsincluding:

introducing said coins into a rotatably mounted tube having sidewallperforations;

rotating said tube about its longitudinal axis to dislodge non-coinmaterial;

moving coins in a first longitudinal direction through said rotatingtube; and

flowing air through said rotating tube.

In light of the above description, a number of advantages of the presentinvention can be seen. The embodiment of FIGS. 13 through 21 is believedto particularly provide for thorough and efficient cleaning of coinswhile maintaining relatively high throughput, relatively low noise, andproviding for ease of maintenance, replacement, inspection, and/orcleaning. This embodiment is useful in avoiding adhesion or slowing ofcoins along the depicted coin path by reducing or minimizing thepotential for surface-to-surface contact of a coin with surfaces of thedevice. The device is relatively inexpensive to design, fabricate,construct, install and/or maintain, with many of the components beingconfigured so that they may be formed by standard plastics or sheetmetal fabrication processes such as stamping, drilling, injectionmolding and the like. Preferably the device is constructed with a shape,dimension and "footprint" that is compatible with earlier or in-servicedevices to permit ease of upgrading existing in-service devices, or easeof converting production facilities from production of existing devices,to production of devices according to the present invention.

The present invention provides an economical system and method fordelivering clean coins to improve accuracy, durability and reliabilityof systems that identify, count, sort, discriminate and/or process coinsand reducing jamming in input feed, transport and/or hopper devices.This system provides a system and method for self cleaning of aself-service coin processing device. The invention drives a tumblingmechanical agitation system for removing non-coin debris. The systemreduces or eliminates the need for special services such as continuallystopping a coin-counting device in order to perform maintenance of theidentification, counting, sorting or transport components. The systempreferably provides for wear indicating components such as wearindicating inner fins or other projections inside a tumbler. Preferably,the projections or other tumbler components are capable of impartinglubricants and/or abrasives or abrasive compounds. Preferably, thesystem provides a liquid or moisture removal system within the tumblerfor removal of excess moisture or liquids, oils and the like, e.g.,through an absorbent, adsorbent or desiccant component or feature of thetumbler fins or surfaces. In one embodiment, components are provided fordislodging or removing trapped items such as a floating or loose insertfor dislodging items (such as a ball or other item which is too large toexit the exit hole) and/or finger rakes for dislodging trapped and/ordropped items.

A number of variations and modifications of the invention can be used.Although the invention is principally described as being useful inconnection with cleaning coins, some or all features of the presentinvention can be used in connection with cleaning other types of devicessuch as regularly shaped items (e.g., golf balls), irregularly shapeditems (such as screws, nuts, bolts, nails, and the like), and similarmanufactured items. Although in one embodiment the device is controlledby a computer, other control devices can be used such asnon-programmable or hard-wired control devices, application specificintegrated circuits (ASICS), and the like. Although, in the above, itemswhich are retained within the walls of the trommel are described as theobjects to be cleaned and material passing through the holes in thewalls of the trommel are described as "dirt," the device can be used inthe opposite fashion, i.e. to recover relatively small valuable objectsthat pass through the holes of the trommel walls and discarding thelarge objects retained within the walls of the trommel. Similarly, thedevice can be used to separate large objects from small objects, neitherof which is to be discarded.

In the above description, a number of surfaces (such as the chutesurfaces and trommel interior surfaces) are provided with features whichare believed to assist in avoiding the slowing or stopping of coinmovement or flow (such as may result from friction, adhesion, surfacetension or the like). These features may include dimples, surfacecurvature, ridges, holes and the like, and are believed to operate byreducing or eliminating surface-to-surface contact between a coin faceand a surface of the apparatus. In general, any or all of these featuresmay be used on any or all of the apparatus surfaces that arecoin-contact surfaces, such that, for example the first and/or secondchutes may be provided with dimples or ridges (with or without thecurvature described above), or the trommel interior surface may beprovided with a degree of curvature (with or without the dimplesdescribed above.)

In addition to, or in place of, moving coins by providing a rotatablecylinder, other types of movement of the tubular or concave surface mayalso be used for moving or agitating the coins, such as a rocking ortilting motion, a swinging motion, a vibrating motion, and the like.Although, in one embodiment, a circular cross-section tumbler isdepicted, other shapes may be used in this embodiment such astriangular, square, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or other polygonalcross-section tubing, conical or parabolic-sided or other tapering orflaring tubing and the like. In one embodiment it would be possible toprovide a separation device which is U-shaped and, rather than beingrotated 322, is driven to swing through an arc or tilt in order toagitate the coins. While it is preferred to provide perforations in thetube of the concave surface, it is also possible to provide anembodiment in which a tube or concave surface is unperforated, and airflow is used for removing materials dislodged during tumbling, e.g.,when only lightweight or low-density contaminants are anticipated. Ifdesired, the vanes, fins or other agitating/moving devices may beseparate from or movable with respect to the tubular or concave surface.It is possible to rotate or otherwise move the fins relative to either afixed or rotating tube, including rotating the tube and fins in oppositedirections. If desired, the tubular or concave surface and/or theprojections may be coated with or may incorporate substances or surfacesto assist in cleaning, polishing or otherwise conditioning the coins,such as absorbent or adsorbent materials for removing liquids, oils,finely divided particles, and the like, or materials for transferringlubricants, abrasives, polishing compounds, and the like, to the coins.The tubular or concave surface or projections may incorporate or providematerials for reducing friction, avoiding static electric charges,avoiding corrosion, and the like. The tumbler and/or housing may be madefrom or may include anechoic, sound-deadening and/or anti-staticmaterial. The drum, internal vanes, etc. can be connected to atransmission and/or speed reducer that is computer controlled, e.g. toadjust tumbling speed based on sensed temperature, humidity, loadweight, and/or in-feed or out-feed rate, or to suspend out-feed, e.g. inresponse to a sensed jam or other malfunction. If desired, a flow of airor other gases or, if desired, liquids, aerosols, mists, gels, and thelike, may be introduced, preferably in a counter-current fashion withrespect to the coin flow, to assist in conditioning the coins, e.g. byremoving non-coin objects, especially small or lightweight non-coinmatter such as hair and dust. A pressurized air and/or vacuum system maybe used for causing such flow. If desired, filters may be provided fortrapping some removed materials. In one embodiment, a cylindrical bodyhaving vanes rising from the inner diameter and a plurality of openingsis used. If desired, it would be possible to construct a device in whichthe perforated surface is maintained stationary, and a separate screwdrive or other drive agitates and moves the coins to or across thestationary surface.

Although the invention has been defined by way of a preferred embodimentand certain variation modifications, other variations and modificationscan also be used.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a coin discriminating device, an apparatus forcleaning a mass of items, including a plurality of desired coins ofvarious diameters, prior to conveyance to a coin discriminator, whereinnone of said desired coins is smaller than a predetermined smallestdesired coin, to define a minimum coin diameter, and none of saiddesired coins is larger than a predetermined largest desired coin, todefine a maximum coin diameter, the apparatus comprising:a containerhaving at least a first opening for admitting a first plurality of saidmass of items and a plurality of second openings, smaller than saidfirst opening, for permitting exit of dirt from said container withouthaving first passed through a container opening smaller than saidmaximum coin diameter, each of said second openings being smaller thansaid minimum diameter to prevent passage of any of said plurality ofdesired coins through any of said plurality of second openings; adriver, coupled to said container, so as to move said container andagitate said first plurality of said mass of items; and at least a firstvane protruding inwardly from an interior surface of said container. 2.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container includes athird opening, larger than said second opening, permitting coins to exitsaid container.
 3. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, further comprisinga first endpiece coupled to said container adjacent said first openingand defining a coin entry opening, wherein said first endpiece ismanually removable from said container, without the use of tools. 4.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a chute adjacentsaid third opening for directing coins, output from said third opening,in an output direction, said chute having at least a first taperingregion.
 5. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said driver iscoupled to said container to pivot said container about at least a firstaxis.
 6. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said driver iscoupled to said container to rotate said container about at least afirst axis.
 7. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 6, further comprising aframe, wherein said container is coupled to said frame via first andsecond bearings displaced from each other along said first axis. 8.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 7, wherein said container is removablycoupled to said frame.
 9. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 7, wherein atleast one of said first and second bearings may be moved from anoperating position to a position to facilitate removal of saidcontainer.
 10. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 9 wherein said one of saidfirst and second bearings may be moved to said position to facilitateremoval in a manual fashion, without the need for tools.
 11. Apparatus,as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first vane contacts the interiorsurface of said container in a first region, defining at least a firstplane which is tangent to said interior surface in said first region,and wherein at least a first portion of said first vane isnon-orthogonal to said first plane.
 12. Apparatus, as claimed in claim11, wherein at least a second portion of said first vane is orthogonalto said first plane.
 13. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidcontainer has a container longitudinal axis and wherein at least aportion of said vane defines a vane longitudinal axis inclined to saidcontainer longitudinal axis.
 14. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1,wherein said container has an interior surface and the interior surfaceof said container includes at least a first substantially flat portion.15. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, wherein said container has aninterior surface and the interior surface of said container includes atleast first and second portions meeting to define an angle. 16.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a frame and a dirtcollection tray, coupled to said frame in such a way as to permitremoval of said tray manually, without the need for tools. 17.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an input tray forreceiving said mass of coins prior to conveyance to said container. 18.An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising:a trough definingan upper surface, sized to accept said plurality of coins, and having afirst entry edge and a second, opposed, exit edge, defining alongitudinal axis extending in a direction having a component from saidentry edge toward said exit edge; said upper surface having a curvaturein at least a first direction, over the entirety of said upper surface,said curvature sufficient to avoid surface-tension adhesion between saidsurface and any of said plurality of coins.
 19. Apparatus, as claimed inclaim 18, wherein said upper surface has a radius of curvature on everypoint thereof of at least about nine inches.
 20. Apparatus, as claimedin claim 18, further comprising at least a first pin protruding fromsaid upper surface.
 21. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1, furthercomprising a frame and whereinsaid container, is coupled to said frameso as to be manually removable without the use of tools.
 22. Apparatus,as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a frame and a tray, coupled tosaid frame, for collecting said dirt.
 23. Apparatus, as claimed in claim1, further comprising a region for collecting items which pass throughany of said second openings, to prevent conveyance to said coindiscriminator.
 24. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidcontainer is provided in the absence of a plurality of nested coaxialperforated-side containers.
 25. In a coin discriminating device, anapparatus for cleaning a mass of items, including a plurality of desiredcoins of various diameters, prior to conveyance to a coin discriminator,wherein none of said desired coins is smaller than a predeterminedsmallest desired coin, to define a minimum coin diameter, and none ofsaid desired coins is larger than a predetermined largest desired coin,to define a maximum coin diameter, the apparatus comprising:a containerhaving at least a first opening for admitting a first plurality of saidmass of items and a plurality of second openings, smaller than saidfirst opening, for permitting exit of dirt from said container withouthaving first passed through a container opening smaller than saidmaximum coin diameter, each of said second openings being smaller thansaid minimum diameter to prevent passage of any of said plurality ofdesired coins through any of said plurality of second openings; adriver, coupled to said container, so as to move said container andagitate said first plurality of said mass of items; wherein saidcontainer includes a third opening, larger than said second opening,permitting coins to exit said container; a first endpiece coupled tosaid container adjacent said first opening and defining a coin entryopening, wherein said first endpiece is manually removable from saidcontainer, without the use of tools; and a second endpiece coupled tosaid container adjacent said third opening and defining a coin exitopening, wherein said second endpiece is manually removable from saidcontainer, without the use of tools.
 26. Apparatus, as claimed in claim25, further comprising means to prevent coupling said first endpieceadjacent said third opening.
 27. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 25,wherein at least one of said first and second endpieces includes abearing to accommodate rotation of said container.
 28. Apparatus, asclaimed in claim 25 wherein at least one of said first and secondendpieces includes a component of a transmission system for couplingsaid driver to said container.
 29. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 28,wherein said component comprises a gear.
 30. Apparatus, as claimed inclaim 25, wherein all openings of said container for passage of saiddirt, other than said first opening and said third opening, are smallerthan said minimum coin diameter.
 31. In a coin discriminator, anapparatus for cleaning a mass of coins prior to conveyance to a coindiscriminator, comprising:a container having at least a first openingfor admitting a first plurality of said mass of coins and a secondopening, smaller than said first opening, for permitting exit of dirtfrom said container; a third opening permitting coins to exit saidcontainer; a first endpiece coupled to said container adjacent saidfirst opening and defining a coin entry opening; a second endpiececoupled to said container adjacent said third opening and defining acoin exit opening; said first endpiece having a resilient tab and slotsystem, configured differently from a corresponding tab and slot systememployed with said second endpiece and third opening, to preventcoupling said first endpiece adjacent said third opening; and a driver;coupled to said container so as to move said container and agitate saidfirst plurality of coins.
 32. In a coin discriminating device, anapparatus for cleaning a mass of coins prior to conveyance to a coindiscriminator, comprising;a frame; a container having at least a firstopening for admitting a first plurality of said mass of coins and asecond opening, smaller than said first opening, for permitting exit ofdirt from said container; a driver coupled to said container to rotatesaid container about at least a first axis so as to agitate said firstplurality of coins; wherein said container is coupled to said frame viafirst and second bearings displaced from each other along said firstaxis, wherein said first and second bearings may be moved from anoperating position to a position to facilitate removal of saidcontainer; and means for normally urging said one of said first andsecond bearings toward said operating position.
 33. In a coindiscriminating device, an apparatus for cleaning a mass of items,including a plurality of desired coins of various diameters, prior toconveyance to a coin discriminator, wherein none of said desired coinsis smaller than a predetermined smallest desired coin, to define aminimum coin diameter, and none of said desired coins is larger than apredetermined largest desired coin, to define a maximum coin diameter,the apparatus comprising:a container having at least a first opening foradmitting a first plurality of said mass of items and a plurality ofsecond openings, smaller than said first opening, for permitting exit ofdirt from said container without having first passed through a containeropening smaller than said maximum coin diameter, each of said secondopenings being smaller than said minimum diameter to prevent passage ofany of said plurality of desired coins through any of said plurality ofsecond openings; a driver, coupled to said container, so as to move saidcontainer and agitate said first plurality of said mass of items; and atleast a first vane protruding inwardly from an interior surface of saidcontainer and at least a second vane protruding inwardly from aninterior surface of said container.
 34. In a coin discriminating device,an apparatus for cleaning a mass of coins prior to conveyance to a coindiscriminator, comprising:a container having a longitudinal axis andhaving at least a first opening for admitting a first plurality of saidmass of coins and a second opening, smaller than said first opening, forpermitting exit of dirt from said container; and a driver, coupled tosaid container so as to move said container and agitate said firstplurality of coins; at least a first vane protruding inwardly from aninterior surface of said container and said first vane including atleast first and second segments, defining a first node therebetween,wherein at least a first portion of said first segment is laterallydisplaced in a first direction from a second portion of said firstsegment and wherein at least a part of said second segment is laterallydisplaced from said second portion of said first segment in a directionopposite to said first direction.
 35. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 34,further comprising at least a second vane protruding inwardly from aninterior surface of said container wherein said second vane includes atleast third and fourth segments, defining a second node therebetween,wherein at least a first portion of said third segment is laterallydisplaced in a second direction from a second portion of said thirdsegment and wherein at least a part of said fourth segment is laterallydisplaced from said second portion of said third segment in a directionopposite to said second direction, and wherein said second node islongitudinally displaced from said first node.
 36. In a coindiscriminating device, an apparatus for cleaning a mass of coins priorto conveyance to a coin discriminator, comprising:a container having atleast a first opening for admitting a first plurality of said mass ofcoins and a second opening, smaller than said first opening, forpermitting exit of dirt from said container, said container having aninterior surface with a plurality of dimples, protruding inwardly fromthe interior surface of said container, and a driver, coupled to saidcontainer so as to move said container and agitate said first pluralityof coins.
 37. In a coin discriminating device, an apparatus for cleaninga mass of coins prior to conveyance to a coin discriminator,comprising:a container having at least a first opening for admitting afirst plurality of said mass of coins and a second opening, smaller thansaid first opening, for permitting exit of dirt from said container adriver, coupled to said container so as to move said container andagitate said first plurality of coins, and entryway for permitting coinsto enter into said container, which includes a first upwardly projectingwall and a second downwardly projecting wall, spaced from said upwardlyprojecting wall such that a rigid elongate object having a maximumlinear dimension greater than about 2.5 inches can not entirely passbeyond said first wall.
 38. In a coin discriminating device, anapparatus for cleaning a mass of items, including a plurality of desiredcoins of various diameters, prior to conveyance to a coin discriminator,wherein none of said desired coins is smaller than a predeterminedsmallest desired coin, to define a minimum coin diameter, and none ofsaid desired coins is larger than a predetermined largest desired coin,to define a maximum coin diameter, the apparatus comprising:a containerhaving at least a first opening for admitting a first plurality of saidmass of items and a plurality of second openings, smaller than saidfirst opening, for permitting exit of dirt from said container withouthaving first passed through a container opening smaller than saidmaximum coin diameter, each of said second openings being smaller thansaid minimum diameter to prevent passage of any of said plurality ofdesired coins through any of said plurality of second openings; and adriver, coupled to said container, so as to move said container andagitate said first plurality of said mass of items; wherein saidcontainer has an interior surface and the interior surface of saidcontainer includes four substantially flat walls to define aquadrilateral interior cross-section.
 39. In a coin discriminatingdevice, an apparatus for cleaning a mass of coins prior to conveyance toa coin discriminator, comprising:a container having at least a firstopening for admitting a first plurality of said mass of coins and asecond opening, smaller than said first opening, for permitting exit ofdirt from said container a driver, coupled to said container so as tomove said container and agitate said first plurality of coins, and aframe and a tray, coupled to said frame, for collecting said dirt, saidtray being reconfigurable from a first configuration having a firstlength to a second configuration having a second length, different fromsaid first length.
 40. In a coin discriminating device, an apparatus forcleaning a mass of coins prior to conveyance to a coin discriminator,comprising:a container having at least a first opening for admitting afirst plurality of said mass of coins and a second opening, smaller thansaid first opening, for permitting exit of dirt from said container adriver, coupled to said container so as to move said container andagitate said first plurality of coins, an input tray for receiving saidmass of coins prior to conveyance to said container, and at least afirst signaling device for indicating that additional coins may be movedfrom said input tray along a path toward said container.
 41. In a coindiscriminating device, an apparatus for cleaning a mass of coins priorto conveyance to a coin discriminator, comprising:a container, defininga container interior space, and having at least a first means foradmitting a first plurality of said mass of coins and at least oneopening for permitting exit of dirt from said container; at least afirst vane protruding inwardly from an interior surface of saidcontainer; and motive means, coupled to said container, for moving saidcontainer so as to cause at least some of said first plurality of coinsto fall through a portion of said container interior space. 42.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 41, further comprising means forpreventing face-to-face contact between an entire face of one of saidplurality of coins and an interior surface of said container. 43.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 42, wherein said means for preventingcomprises protrusions, extending inwardly from the interior surface ofsaid container.
 44. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 42, wherein saidmeans for preventing comprises an interior surface curvature of saidcontainer.
 45. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 41, further comprisingmeans for preventing rigid elongate objects from entering saidcontainer.
 46. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 41, further comprisingmeans for sensing a slowing or halting of container movement. 47.Apparatus, as claimed in claim 46, further comprising means forreversing rotation of said container in response to sensing a slowing orhalting of container movement.
 48. Apparatus, as claimed in claim 41,further comprising means for flowing air through said container.
 49. Amethod for cleaning a plurality of desired coins, comprising:providing aframe; providing at least a first container having a first entry openingsized and positioned to permit entry of any of said plurality of desiredcoins into said container, and a second exit opening, sized andpositioned to permit exit of any of said plurality of desired coins fromsaid container and further having a plurality of holes, all of saidplurality of holes being sized to prevent passage therethrough of any ofsaid plurality of desired coins said first container further having atleast a first vane protruding inwardly from an interior surface of saidfirst container; mounting said first container to said frame to permitrotation of said container about said first axis; introducing saidplurality of coins into said first container; and rotating said firstcontainer about said first axis.
 50. A method, as claimed in claim 49,further comprising effecting removal of said plurality of coins fromsaid container, after at least some dirt has passed through at leastsome of said plurality of holes during said step of rotating.
 51. Amethod, as claimed in claim 50, wherein said first vane assists in saidstep of effecting removal of said plurality of coins.
 52. A method, asclaimed in claim 50, wherein said step of mounting includes mountingsuch that said first axis is inclined to the horizontal, to assist insaid step of effecting removal of said plurality of coins.
 53. Atrommel, comprising:at least a first portion and a second concaveportion having a first length coupled to said first portion to permitsaid trommel to be reconfigured between a first open configurationdefining an opening extending substantially said entire first length anda second closed configuration wherein said first portion covers saidopening; and at least a first vane protruding inwardly from an interiorsurface of said container.
 54. A trommel, as claimed in claim 53,wherein said trommel, when in said closed configuration, has an interiorsurface, and wherein, when said trommel is in said open configuration,substantially all of said interior surface is accessible.
 55. A trommel,as claimed in claim 53, wherein said first and second portions arerotatably coupled, defining a first side axis.
 56. A trommel, as claimedin claim 55, said trommel is coupled to a driver for rotation about arotation axis and wherein said first side axis is substantially parallelto said rotation axis.
 57. A trommel, as claimed in claim 53, wherein atleast one of said first and second portions comprises first and secondwalls meeting at an angle.
 58. A trommel, as claimed in claim 53,further comprising at least a first latch, releasably holding said firstand second portions in said closed configuration.
 59. A coindiscriminating device comprising:a first pivotable feed tray inclined ina first direction pivotable about a first pivot axis and configured tomove coins therein over a ridge defined by said pivot axis; a coinconditioner configured to receive coins moved over said ridge and tumblesaid coins with respect to one another for dislodging non-coin materialsand to permit exit of coins through at least a first opening in saidcoin conditioner; at least a first vane protruding inwardly from aninterior surface of said coin conditioner; a hopper for receiving coinsfrom said coin conditioner; a coin discriminator, including a pluralityof sensors, for receiving coins from said hopper and discriminating atleast a first coin denomination from a second coin denomination; andoutput means for providing output indicating a number of at least afirst coin denomination.
 60. A coin discriminating system, configured toreceive a mass of coins, said mass of coins defining a smallest-diametercoin, the device comprising:a frame; an input tray, coupled to saidframe, with a bottom surface perforated by a plurality of circular holeshaving a diameter less than that of the smallest-diameter coin, saidinput tray pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis defining apeak, from a first position inclined downward from said peak, to asecond position wherein said bottom surface is raised, with respect tothe position of said bottom surface when said input tray is in saidfirst position; a first chute inclined downwardly in a direction awayfrom said peak such that said peak is between said input tray and saidfirst chute wherein coins moved over said peak flow down said firstchute; a first long object trap comprising first and second pinsprojecting upwardly from the upper surface of said first chute; a secondlong object trap comprising a first ascending substantially verticalwall defining a free upper edge; a second descending substantiallyvertical wall defining a free lower edge, spaced from said first walland a floor positioned to prevent passage, from said first chute to saidsecond chute, of elongate rigid objects having at least a first length;a second chute inclined downwardly in substantially the same directionas said first chute is inclined, having a surface which is curvedthroughout to prevent adjacent coins from contacting said second chutesurface at more than two points, said second chute defining an outputregion; a trommel, rotatably mounted with respect to said frame, andhaving an interior with an interior surface defining at least a firstcorner, said trommel having a plurality of circular holes having adiameter less than that of the smallest-diameter coin, said trommelhaving an input opening aligned with said output region of said secondchute for receiving coins from said second chute into the interior ofsaid trommel, said trommel having an output opening; a plurality ofvanes positioned on said interior surface of said trommel and extendinginto said interior of said trommel wherein, upon rotation of saidtrommel, said coins are moved toward said output opening of saidtrommel; a driver, coupled to said trommel so as to rotate said trommel;a coin discriminator; a transport device configured to transport coinsfrom said output opening to said coin discriminator.
 61. A trommel,comprising:at least a first portion and a second concave portion havinga first length coupled to said first portion to permit said trommel tobe reconfigured between a first open configuration defining an openingextending substantially said entire first length and a second closedconfiguration wherein said first portion covers said opening whereinsaid container includes four walls to define a quadrilateral interiorcross section.